Volunteer Management

Libraries can benefit greatly from volunteers. For a larger library volunteers can allow services to expand, while in smaller libraries volunteers can help maintain basic services. Volunteer jobs vary from library to library – some libraries have volunteers repair books, run story hour, reshelve books, work at the circulation desk, fundraise, write grants, paint the building, provide computer assistance and other basic tasks. Some libraries rely heavily on volunteers to keep the doors open a minimum number of hours per week. Below you will find some basic help for managing volunteers, regardless of the size of your library or the size of your volunteer pool.

If you need more help, contact Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Coordinator for Library Sustainability

Library Specific Issues: What is the mission of the library? How is the administration of the library organized? Where does the funding for the library come from? Confidentiality issues; Review of library policies; introduction to all staff and other volunteers. (RSA)